Harry Potter and the Wrath of the Fallen

Chapter 24: Fire and Water

A light mist covered the surrounding fields as the clouds hung low over Ottery St Catchpole, and the sound of laughter could be heard coming from within the Burrow.

In the living room, Harry and Ginny sat on the floor in front of the fireplace, their bodies entwined as they let the heat of the fire warm their toes. Ron and Hermione were sitting on the sofa behind Harry and Ginny, happily curled up together under a blanket as they chatted about their holiday so far, and about what they could get up to today.

As the two couples talked, Ron had been astounded as Harry related the details of his trip to the Dursleys to him.

"So the big lump has changed a bit, has he?"

"So it would seem," said Harry. "I'll check back with him after school finishes and see if he has reverted back to the overgrown bully I remember so fondly."

Ginny turned her face up to Harry, a doubtful look in her eyes. "I don't think anything will have changed. He was very sincere, and he stood up to his father as well. I think the new Dudley is here to stay."

Harry grunted. "You're probably right, Gin. I certainly hope you are."

As the conversation meandered through various topics, Harry realised how long it had been since they had been able to sit down and just talk amongst themselves. It was becoming a bit of a rare treat, and Harry wondered if it would become even rarer once they finished school.

As Harry's mind wandered for a moment, Hermione turned on her most apologetic expression as she spoke to Ginny.

"Ginny, we are very sorry we tried to trick you the other day. I just hope you can forgive me one day," said Hermione dejectedly. "Could you please tell us what you and Harry have been doing?"

Ginny smirked as she looked at Harry. "What do you think, Harry? Should we tell them, or let them wait until it's ready in, oh, about four months time?"

"Four months!" exclaimed an alarmed Hermione. "No, you can't make me wait that long. Molly keeps telling us how exciting your plan is whenever she passes us on the stairs, but she's just teasing us because she won't tell us anything more."

Harry and Ginny laughed as they looked at their friends downcast expressions. Harry rubbed his chin as he thought.

"Maybe we should tell you when we get official notification. It would only be fair after you wouldn't tell us about the Head Boy and Girl thing," mused Harry.

Hermione started to protest weakly. "But McGonagall made us promise not to say anything. You two haven't promised to keep a secret, have you?"

Ginny gave Harry a wicked little grin. "Maybe we could tell one of them, and then make that person promise not to tell the other?"

Ron chuckled from his position on the sofa. "Don't worry, 'Mione. If they tell me I'll tell you straight away; promise or no promise."

"Well," said Ginny, "in that case I think maybe we should just keep it to ourselves for now."

Hermione pouted. "If you tell me, I swear I won't tell Ron."

"Hermione!" exclaimed an outraged Ron.

Harry and Ginny were left rolling around on the floor laughing as Hermione shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes at Ron.

"Of course I would have told you, Ron, but we have to find out what the secret is before we can break any promises," said an exasperated Hermione.

"Oh, right." Ron grinned sheepishly at Harry and Ginny.

Harry looked at Ginny and smiled at her. "Maybe we should just tell them. It would mean we don't have to sneak around with these two trying to follow us everywhere."